Live Music Lights up the Days (and Nights) at Summer NAMM

Come for the trade show; stay for the fun. Summer NAMM packs three days and nights of can’t-miss events, live music, and networking opportunities into the days in Music City. Held July 17-19 at Nashville’s Music City Center, Summer NAMM spotlights the industry’s best new products, retailer excellence, and engaging special events against the backdrop of Nashville’s musical mecca.

"This summer's expanded show brings a renewed focus on the things that unite us in the music-products industry — new products and ideas for building success, alongside good friends and great music,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "Members should plan for evenings filled with the exciting, unexpected entertainment that has become synonymous with Summer NAMM. The show is bigger than it has been in years, and members won't want to miss a minute of it."

Wednesday, July 16
Warm up for Summer NAMM the night before the show opens with "Insight: Iconic Artists and the Gear That Inspires Them" in Music City Center's Davidson Ballroom. Country Music Hall of Fame veteran Vince Gill and Two Old Hippies founder Tom Bedell share the stage with their all-star musician friends for an evening of story and song. The celebrated group will share tales of the beloved instruments used in some of their best-known hits. Gill’s band, The Players, will perform, guaranteeing a once-in-a-lifetime evening. Wednesday’s opening party kicks off with food and drinks at 6 p.m.; “Insight” begins at 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 17
NAMM’s Acoustic Nation Stage in partnership with NewBay Media treats attendees to live music throughout the show. The stage is located in front of the new show floor entrances on the 5th Avenue side of the building, facing the Country Music Hall of Fame. Twenty-nine different performers and bands will take the stage during the three-day event spanning country, folk, pop, indie-rock and everything in between. Thursday’s roster includes Latin-fusion band Revol.Fusion, 15-year-old pop sensation Sidney Bowen and singer-songwriter Joe Taylor.

The World’s Fastest Drummer competition kicks off Thursday on the Level 3 Lobby Stage. Lightning-fast heats continue throughout the show, concluding 1 p.m. Saturday. The top 10 fastest drummers will compete for the title Saturday at 2 p.m.

At 6 p.m., “Basses Loaded,” featuring an all-bass orchestra and special guest soloists, takes over the Davidson Ballroom. Muriel Anderson’s All-Star Guitar Night follows at 7:30 p.m. with electric and acoustic performances from some of Nashville’s most noted players.

Friday, July 18
On Friday, look for standout performances from country favorites The Pickers, rock trio The Sweeps, and more on NAMM’s Acoustic Nation Stage.

Music industry young professionals can mingle with fellow industry up-and-comers, learn more about their chosen career, and enjoy free food and drink at the NAMM Young Professionals event in Music City Center’s meeting room 207B. The Young Professionals Education Event begins at 4 p.m., followed by the reception at 5 p.m.

This year’s Top 100 Dealer Awards unite the best in retailing around live music, free food and drinks. Ira Dean, the powerhouse bassist of GRAMMY-nominated trio Trick Pony hosts this year’s event, which will honor NAMM retailers in eight ‘Best Of’ categories, including ‘Dealer of the Year.’ The Davidson Ballroom doors open at 6 p.m., with the awards beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Those from home can join in the celebration when The Top 100 is streamed live.

Saturday, July 19
A NAMM Foundation breakfast explores ways to engage communities and customers in hands-on music-making events. It’s never too early to start planning for Make Music Day 2015! The Recreational Music Making Forum begins at 9:30 a.m. in room 205ABC.

Some of country music’s hottest new artists will perform on NAMM’s Acoustic Nation Stage on Saturday. The Ukedelics kick off the day with uked-up versions of country and blues favorites. Five-time Emmy-winning actor and musician Jonathan Jackson and Nashville-native, country artist Greg Bates, who performs the hit song “Did it for the Girl,” play back-to-back acoustic sets Saturday afternoon.

“Turn It Up,” a documentary examining the emotional connection between guitarists including Les Paul, Nancy Wilson, B.B. King, Spencer Davis, Paul Stanley and Slash and their instruments screens at noon Saturday in room 205ABC. Saturday afternoon songwriting panels take place in the Idea Center and on the Acoustic Nation Stage.

No musical experience or instruments are necessary to join the Community Ukulele Circle, presented by Kala Brand at 1:30 p.m. Then feel the beat at Remo’s Community Drum Circle at 3 p.m. Both events take place outside Music City Center on the corner of 5th Ave. and Demonbreun.

Music City
From the Grand Ole Opry to Honky Tonk Row, Nashville has live music performances for every taste. Visitors hungry for musical history can explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Musicians Hall of Fame, the Johnny Cash Museum, or the Music City Walk of Fame. Music Row, where Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Dolly Parton made their musical mark, is considered the heart of Nashville's entertainment industry.

Enjoy all that Summer NAMM has to offer by registering for show badges. Exhibit space is still available. For details and information on NAMM’s entertainment options, click here. For information on Nashville’s entertainment venues, events, restaurants and more, click here.

PHOTO CAPTION: Greg Bates (left), Jonathan Jackson (right)